1st Edition

The Fifth French Republic: Presidents, Politics and Personalities A Study of French Political Culture

By Philip Thody Copyright 1998
    184 Pages
    by Routledge

    184 Pages
    by Routledge

    The Fifth French Republic is a study of modern French politics and history, discussing the five presidents who span from 1959 to the present--Charles de Gaulle, Georges Pompidou, Valry Giscard d'Estang, Francois Mitterand and Jacques Chirac.

    Philip Thody examines the importance of the similarities between the five men for an understanding of the general and political culture of France; the similarities and differences in the foreign policies pursued by the five presidents, including anti-Americanism; France's role in the European Union and her attitude to the Cold War; French domestic policies and administrative practices, attempts to decentralize the state, the role of the French civil service, the problem of immigration and the rise of the National Front.

    Acknowledgements, Glossary, Introduction, 1. Charles de Gaulle: the founding father, 2. Georges Pompidou: the conscientious uncle, 3. Valéry Giscard d’Estaing: the ambitious nephew, 4. François Mitterrand: the rebellious brother, 5. Jacques Chirac: the impulsive grandson, 6. Conclusion, Appendix A French régimes from 1792 to 1958, Appendix B Prime ministers of the Fifth Republic, Appendix C A note on the French civil service, Notes, Annotated bibliography, Index

    Biography

    Thody, Philip